Pedophile gets 10 years in plea deal

CANTON - An accused pedophile pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery on Tuesday and will spend the next 10 years in prison.

David Henry Emerson Jr., 29, of Canton, was indicted in late 2013 on two counts of sexual battery and one count of gratification of lust on two young male relatives.

Emerson pleaded guilty to one count for a sentence of 30 years, with 20 suspended.

The 10 years for sexual crimes are day-for-day sentences with no chance of early release.

Emerson will also have to register as a sex offender, serve five years probation upon release, and is not allowed to have contact with the boys in the future.

According to the indictment, he was charged with engaging in fellatio with minor children on Oct. 19-20, 2013.

Ashley Allen, assistant Madison County District Attorney, said Emerson was offered a plea deal to avoid putting two small children on trial.

"They were very young," she said. "They were five and seven when this happened.

"People will say he should have gotten 100 years," Allen continued. "These cases rely on our victim's testimony and I was glad [Emerson] took responsibility and pled guilty so the boys can remain anonymous."